Living in sunny Southern California has its perks! Beautiful weather means bountiful blooms year-round for your garden. It is the beginning of fall, but it is also the prime-planting season for Southern California native plants. 

Here are our top plant picks that will give you veggies for the winter and beautiful blooms for springtime.

Root Crops
Now that the weather is cooler, take advantage of fast-growing root crops such as radishes, beets, carrots, and turnips. Rooted produce thrives in cooler climates and will give you fresh produce all through fall and winter.

Greens
Leaf crops are perfect to sow this time of year. Plant kale, cabbage, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts and be ready for continual harvesting every couple weeks during the cooler seasons.

Mountain Lilac
When most flower gardens are at their dreariest, Mountain Lilac will get you through the winter with its show stopping beauty. A native to California, the Mountain Lilac comes in a variety of colors, and shapes.  Choose any color from white to a deep blue or size from ground coverage to a full sized tree, the Mountain Lilac will warm any soul this chili season.

Enjoy these crops during the cooler seasons. They will be sure to get you through the fall just in time for spring.

When it comes to home décor, turning your attention to a blog can be a great way to spark some creativity, gain some inspiration for your next project, or just follow some of the latest trends.

Maybe home décor and decorating is a hobby. Maybe you have a new home that you’re ready to make your own. Or perhaps you have a room badly in need of an update. Either way, there are many amazing home décor blogs that offer a wide range of inspiring ideas.

Here’s a list of 20 home décor blogs.

Nesting Place – A love affair with homes inspired a blog focused on decorating encouragement and creative ideas.

The Lettered Cottage – Layla and Kevin are expert stylists who produce articles for HGTV.com and shoot and style home interiors for home magazines.

Perfectly Imperfect – A blog about home renovations, painted furniture, tutorials, and plenty of decorating and home projects.

Centsational Girl – With a glamorous yet practical style, Kate creates home furniture from unlikely sources as well as unique crafts and projects.

Thrifty Décor Chick – This home décor and DIY blog is all about making beautiful items on a budget.

Dear Lillie – Check out the tutorials and the house tour in a blog that has been featured in several national home magazines.

Fieldstone Hill Design – Blogger and designer Darlene deconstructs rooms and shows you how to use their elements in your home. 

Décor Chick! – A home décor and DIY blog that includes a little bit of everything about turning things into something beautiful.

Young House Love – Avid DIY-ers John and Sherry blog about home decorating solutions and transforming their own home.

The Peak of Chic – Blogger, author and designer Jennifer Boles is an expert in the world of home decoration.

A Library of Design – Former magazine editor and bestselling author Janelle McCulloch covers architecture, interior design, travel and gardening.

Slim Paley – Interior designer Carolyn Espley-Miller blends unusual ideas and extraordinary designs and destinations into her blog.

Design Tripper – A blog that explores the intersection of travel and design with genuine curiosity and self-described good taste.

Bower Power – A blog about the transformation of a home and a family, including a project catalog plus photography and videos.

Manhattan Nest – A Brooklyn-based blog where you will find DIY tutorials and posts on just about everything related to all sorts of projects.

Retro Renovation – A blog dedicated to helping you remodel and decorate your mid-century home in retro style.

Chezerbey – A married couple, both architects, blog aboutthe remodel, retrofit, and reconstruction of a home they call chezerbey.

Making it Lovely – A design and lifestyle blog that describes its goal as living a stylish life and transforming the so-so.

A Bloomsbury Life – Writer and embroidery artist Lisa Borgnes Giramonti shares thought and inspiration on design.

Amy Merrick – The beautiful photos on this blog by Amy Merrick will inspire you.

Past Imperfect – Interior designer, author, and set decorator Andrew Baseman shares his passion for antiques and collecting.

The air is crisp, leaves are changing and autumn is finally upon us.  Nothing kicks off this time of the year better than preparing your home with some seasonal home décor.  Now we all know about the traditional methods of decorating during the fall months, whether it be with spooky Halloween decorations or traditional fall harvest accents to bring some of the bright colors displayed outside into your home. But what if you are looking to go a different route this year? Maybe the motif of your home doesn't exactly blend well with the typical autumn decorations. There are many ways to create a festive atmosphere in your home while still staying true to your style.  Warm up your house with these beautiful and chic decorating projects that will incorporate your own unique take on autumn decor.

Glam Pumpkins
Pumpkins can be a mess to deal with this time of year. Forget carving, gutting, and scraping out your pumpkin and try glamorizing your pumpkins with these fun ideas. The best part is, the kids can still take part in these festive activities. 

Painted Pumpkins
This form of pumpkin art can really work well, especially with younger participants that may not be able to handle sharp tools used to carve pumpkins. Take a look at these painted pumpkins for inspiration: 
http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Painted%20Pumpkins

Rhinestone Pumpkins
Another great method of pumpkin design while adding a bit of flare is by making those pumpkins sparkle. This may also be the easiest method as far as clean up goes. See some great use of rhinestones and pumpkins of all sizes here:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/75013150017037981/

Glitter Pumpkins
Similar to the rhinestone method, all you'll need is some glue or other liquid adhesive and the glitter of your choice. You can also display your festive greeting by using a glue pen used specifically for easy writing and glitter application like this one:http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/marthastewartcrafts/Products/Glue_Writing_Pen_Fine_Tip_40-00020.htm 

Fall Lighting
Nothing makes your home feel cozy and warm quite like candlelight.
Birch Candles give a fall look that you can carry on into the holidays. It provides a sophisticated yet rustic feel that can be used in many home decors. Here's a peek:http://www.pinterest.com/pin/3940718393534637/

Door Décor
Make a lasting first impression with your beautiful door decorations.
From a fall wreath to pumpkins galore, work with the space you have and create a welcoming fall look. Get inspired by these chic fall greetings:http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Fall%20Door%20D%C3%A9cor

As many know, searching and previewing potential schools for your children can be a difficult task. Hopefully, this listing of schools in Torrance can help eliminate some of the guesswork in your search.

The Torrance Unified School District has 30 public schools, including 17 elementary schools, eight intermediate schools and five high schools.

Visit the Torrance Unified School District website for a full listing of schools and more information, or check out sites like Education.com and Greatschools.org for more detailed information about each school, such as reviews, enrollment and test scores.

Elementary Schools

John Adams Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4480
Website: Adams.tusd.org
2121 238th St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Anza Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4550
Website: Anzaelementary.org
21400 Ellinwood Dr.
Torrance, CA 90503

Arlington Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4510
Website: Arlingtonpta.com
17800 Van Ness Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504

John Arnold Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4524
Website: Arnold.tusd.org
4100 W. 227th St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Evelyn Carr Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4467
Website: Carr.tusd.org
3404 W. 168th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Edison Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4513
Website: Edisonelementary.org
3800 W. 182nd St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Fern Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4506
Website: Fern.tusd.org
1314 Fern Ave.
Torrance, CA 90503

Hickory Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4672
Website: Hickory.tusd.org
2800 W. 227th St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Lincoln Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4464
Website: Lincoln.tusd.org
2418 W. 166th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Riviera Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4460
Website: Riviera.tusd.org
365 Paseo de Arena
Torrance, CA 90505

Seaside Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4532
Website: Seaside.tusd.org
4651 Sharynne Lane
Torrance, CA 90505

Torrance Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4500
Website: Torranceel.tusd.org
2125 Lincoln Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501

Towers Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4535
Website: Towers.tusd.org
5600 Towers St.
Torrance, CA 90505

Victor Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4542
Website: Victor.tusd.org
4820 Spencer St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Walteria Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4487
Website: Walteriaelementary.org
24456 Madison St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Wood Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 533-4484
Website: Wood.tusd.org
2250 W. 235th St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Yukon Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-6
Phone: (310) 533-4477
Website: Yukon.tusd.org
17815 Yukon Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504
 

Intermediate Schools

Calle Mayor Middle 
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4548
Website: Callemayor.tusd.org
4800 Calle Mayor
Torrance, CA 90505

Casimir Middle 
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 533-4498
Website: Casimir.tusd.org
17220 Casimir Ave.
Torrance, CA 90504

J. H. Hull Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 5-8
Phone: (310) 533-4516
Website: Hull.tusd.org
2080 W. 231 Street,
Torrance, CA 90501

Jefferson Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4794
Website: Jefferson.tusd.org
21717 Talisman St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Lynn Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 533-4495
Website: Bertlynn.tusd.org
5038 Halison St.
Torrance, CA 90503

Madrona Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4562
Website: Madrona.tusd.org
21364 Madrona Ave.
Torrance, CA 90503

Magruder Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4527
Website: Magruder.tusd.org
4100 W. 185th St.
Torrance, CA 90504

Richardson Middle
Type: Public
Grades: 6-8
Phone: (310) 533-4790
Website: Richardsonmiddleschool.org
23751 Nancy Lee Lane
Torrance, CA 90505


High Schools

North High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4412
Website: Northhighschool.org
3620 W. 182nd St.
Torrance, CA 90504

South High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4352
Website: SHS.tusd.org
4801 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance, CA 90505

Kurt T. Sherry High
Type: Public
Grades: 11-12
Phone: (310) 533-4440
Website: Sherry.tusd.org
2600 Vine St.
Torrance, CA 90501

Torrance High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4396
Website: THS.tusd.org
2200 Carson St.
Torrance, CA 90501

West High
Type: Public
Grades: 9-12
Phone: (310) 533-4299
Website: WHS.tusd.org
20401 Victor
Torrance, CA 90503

As many know, searching and previewing potential schools for your children can be a difficult task. This list is an overview of the school listings in Manhattan Beach.

Along with the eight schools within the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, there are three preschool and early-learning schools, five elementary schools, three middle schools and one high schools in the city, including both private and public options.

Visit the Manhattan Beach Unified School District website for more information, or check out sites like Education.com and Greatschools.org for more detailed information about each school, such as reviews, enrollment, and test scores.

Preschool and Early Learning

Manhattan Beach Preschool
Ages: 2-5
Phone: (310) 546-7655
Fax: (310) 303-3831
Website: Mbusd.org
1431 15th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Journey of Faith Christian School
Type: Private
Grades: PK, K
Phone: (310) 374-0583
Website: Journeyoffaith.com
1243 Artesia Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Montessori School of Manhattan Beach
Type: Private
Grades: PK, K
Phone: (310) 545-8104
Website: Montessorimbrpv.com
2617 Bell Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Elementary Schools

Grand View Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 546-8022
Website: Gvpta.com
455 24TH St
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Pacific Elementary
Type: Public
Grades: K-6
Phone: (310) 546-8044
Website: Pacificschool.com
1200 Pacific Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary School
Type: Public
Grades: K-6
Phone: (310) 546-8044
Website: Pennekampschool.org
110 South Rowell
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Meadows Avenue Elementary 
Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 546-8022
Website: Meadowsschool.org
1200 Meadows Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Opal Robinson Elementary 

Type: Public
Grades: K-5
Phone: (310) 318-5120
Website: Robinsonelementary.org
80 Morningside Dr
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Intermediate Schools

Manhattan Beach Middle School
Type: Public
Grades: 6-9
Phone: (310) 545-4878
Fax: (310) 303-3829
Website: mbmswaves.com
1501 Redondo Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

American Martyrs School
Type: Private
Grades: K-8
Phone: (310) 545-8559
Website: americanmartyrsschool.org
1701 Laurel Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Manhattan Academy
Type: Private
Grades: K-8
Phone: (310) 374-1804
Website: manhattanacademy.com
1740 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

High Schools

Mira Costa High School
Type: Public
Grades: 8-12
Phone: (310) 318-7337
Fax: (310) 303-3814
Website: Miracostahigh.org
1401 Artesia Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266